Local economies
A wealth of benefits
Community Wealth Building is too commonly seen as ‘local procurement’, but this seriously misses its breadth and potential impact, believes John Tizard.
More power for the people
Margaret Bolton argues that it’s time to establish a Community Wealth Fund to devolve decision-making power and resources to the residents of the communities that have been ‘left behind’.
Building thriving towns
Adur DC and Worthing BC are taking a stake in their local economies to catalyse investment in their places, based on establishing firm foundations to help local communities thrive, writes Martin Randall.
The stage is set for districts to demonstrate their key role
We hope ministers take away the message from conference next month that it is districts, backed by long-term sustainable funding, who are best placed to turn the new decade into the roaring twenties, says Cllr John Fuller.
Council told to urgently overhaul company
Gloucester City Council’s arms-length market company lacks accountability and clarity of purpose, an independent review has found.
Stoke considers EU funding extension application
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is expected to ask for an extension to EU funding to support small businesses.
Basildon’s big ambitions
As Basildon’s 70th birthday year comes to an end, Joe Reay says the celebrations provided the perfect opportunity to rebuild the sense of civic pride that’s vital to a successful place.
There’s ‘no single perfect solution’ on 5G
A vibrant and competitive market for ultrafast and gigabit connectivity across the whole of the UK is a must for our future prosperity, says Stuart Murray, partner at UK law firm TLT.
The private sector needs to stand alongside councils against the PWLB rate rise
Greg Hill argues that the private sector needs to join council leaders in calling for the omission of housebuilding and regeneration projects from the ‘125% interest rate rise on loans from the Public Works Loan Board’.
Future Forum North: Call for towns and cities to make peace
The driving force behind the Greater Manchester devolution deal has urged towns and cities to make peace.
Tory state aid proposals spark controversy
Questions have been raised over plans to loosen state aid rules post-Brexit under a Conservative government.
Making the most of our cultural assets
The three councils of Lancaster City, Barrow and South Lakeland are coming together to pilot a new model that 'aims to capture and maximise our individual and collective cultural assets', says Lawrence Conway.
Too many blurred lines
It is ‘small wonder economic development has failed to deliver in so many places’, says Nigel Wilcox. His message to a future government is that a confusing landscape needs simplified – and combined authorities seem to provide the best solution.
Councils to make case for further Government flood funds
Local authorities are lobbying Government to provide support for flood-hit families and small businesses whose insurance does not cover the costs of their recovery.
Muse secures £650m Slough project
Muse Developments has been appointed to a £650m development described as one of the biggest in the UK.
Is there a better way for business rates?
How keen should councils be to bind themselves to a business rates tax that appears to be in demise both financially and reputationally, asks Gary Fielding
Lessons learned from two years of the State of Transformation
Benjamin Taylor reviews the landscape of local government transformation over two years of case studies, conferences and academies. The picture that emerges is both a depressing and inspiring one.
Oxford and Reading top city performance list
Cities have largely recovered economically from the 2007/08 financial crisis but must now focus on housing affordability and health-related issues, according to PwC and Demos.
Post-Brexit public procurement overhaul proposed
Moves to overhaul procurement rules for public contracts have been met with scepticism.
Sharing is caring
Kate Kennally argues that, for Cornwall to catch up with the rest of the UK, the Shared Prosperity Fund must do exactly that: share prosperity. But she says real devolution of decision making to a local level is equally important.